Parkash Singh Badal has said, “I feel so poor that I do not have much else to sacrifice to express solidarity with the farmers’ cause.”

“I owe everything to the farmers. I am who I am because of them. There is no point of holding on to honours if farmers are dishonoured. I am deeply pained by the betrayal on assurances given to farmers to address their apprehensions,” said Parkash Singh Badal while return the top civilian honour.

Meanwhile, the agitating farmers have entered the second round of talks with the centre in Delhi even as hundreds of farmers continue to camp on the Delhi borders.

The Punjab leader has come down heavily on the Centre slamming the “communal and separatist insinuations against farmers”. Parkash Singh Badal has also warned about the dangers to the secular fabric of the country.

Former Akali Dal leader Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa has also returned his Padma Bhushan to protest against the government.

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Reacting to the development, President Ram Nath Kovind expressed condolences and said: “Music legend and unparalleled classical vocalist Pandit Jasraj’s passing makes me sad. Spanning a distinguished career of over 8 decades, Padma Vibhushan Pandit Jasraj, enthralled people with soulful renditions. Condolence to his family, friends and music connoisseurs.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also remembered the Indian classical music legend: “The unfortunate demise of Pandit Jasraj leaves a deep void in the Indian cultural sphere. Not only were his renditions outstanding, he also made a mark as an exceptional mentor to several other vocalists. Condolences to his family and admirers worldwide.”

Indian classical vocalist Pandit Jasraj had turned 90 in January this year.

Pandit Jasraj was honoured with Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awards diring his lifetime.

Last year, the International Astronomical Union had named a minor planet, located between Mars and Jupiter, after Pandit Jasraj, regarded as the doyen of Indian classical vocal music.

Minor planet 2006 VP32 (number-300128) was named as ‘Panditjasraj’.

The citation had read: “Sangeet Martand Pandit Jasraj is an exponent of Indian classical vocal music. A life dedicated to music, Jasraj is recipient of many awards, honours and titles. His distinctive voice traverses remarkable four and a half octave.”

Earlier this year, upon turning 90, Pandit Jasraj had in an interview to a news agency said that he is one who walks with time.

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